In 2012, there were about 6,992 homeless people in Boston, and in 2013 there are about 7,255 homeless people with a 3.8% increase in that one year. The number of homeless has been increasing since. In January, the temperature can get down to 2 to -5 on average. Put yourself in the shoes of these 7,255 people, living on the street, sometimes even in feet of snow. Imagine sitting in a dark alley shivering and waiting to be found by a shelter or thinking about how and when you are going to get your next meal. Yes, there are lots of shelters, but this winter, shelters had to make extra room just so these families could have a warm space to sleep in. These people need all the help they can get to get back on their feet.
Occasionally I go to Boston Common with my church to help out the homeless people by doing a sock drive. A sock drive is a collection of clothing, other necessities, water, and fresh food like sandwiches people bring in and volunteer to pass out. Almost everyone who receives the food and clothes are so thankful and kind. Some of the homeless people that are friendly with the leaders of the group help with passing stuff out. After everyone has gotten their food and clothes, they take what they need. In addition to the sock drive, every year at the beginning of winter, my father and some of his old friends buy a bunch of winter clothes then go into Boston and walk down alley ways to find as many homeless people as possible to give them extra jackets, scarfs, mittens, and hats to keep warm. Whenever I take the time to participate in the sock drive or donate to a food pantry, I always feel happy because I know that I’ve made someone else’s life easier, and hopefully, I’ve made them happy too. Some people feel overwhelmed with big problems such as homelessness and hunger, but there are small ways we all can help out.
There are so many ways you can help. For example, you can volunteer at homeless shelters, sock drives, and soup kitchens. Donations to organizations or fundraisers that help homeless people are always welcome, too. It’s really easy to live our lives peacefully, but it’s devastating for some of our society to be in such great need. I think we should all try to do our part whether big or small to help whenever we can.
